Ghastly Toxic River Crisis: Jim Beam warehouse fire sends 23-mile alcohol plume into Kentucky River, killing fish

Dead fish turned up downriver of the warehouse for days. Officials have been dissolving oxygen in an attempt to protect wildlife. Despite aeration, residents were warned that they will  see and smell dead fish in the river, cautioned not to eat fish that are already dead and to exercise caution when catching fish that appear to be in distress. The plume is expected to dissipate upon reaching the Ohio River. Emergency officials said they will  monitor water quality, and Beam Suntory, which owns Jim Beam, has brought in environmental cleanup contractors and consultants. The fire, which broke out Tuesday, is out, according to Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet. Officials let as much alcohol as possible burn to reduce the flow of bourbon-filled runoff into the river. Flames shot into the night sky, could be seen for miles, and generated so much heat that firetruck lights melted.